Stress Verses Anxiety
A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about stress.
Then people began asking: What’s the difference between Stress and Anxiety? Having experienced both conditions myself and having studied the two, let me answer that question.
Generally, stress is how one reacts to an external event. You see or are a part of an event that is external to you. Once the event has passed, the reaction subsides, and you feel better.
For example, if you’re stopped at a traffic light, and a car rear-ends you, the normal reaction is stress. First, your breathing quickens. Then your heart beats faster. Next, your mind can ‘freeze’ as you wonder ‘what happened?!” And then you quickly check if you’re injured. All of this collective reaction is what your sympathetic nervous system does. It is commonly referred to as “fight, flight, or freeze” reaction.
However, once you know you’re okay, your body relaxes, letting go of the stress.
Anxiety is a constant feeling of dread or apprehension when there is no actual external stress-inducing event happening.
In other words, anxiety is an internal reaction to memory or imagined future events. The American Psychology Association provides some interesting perspectives on stress and anxiety.
If we continue with the car/traffic light example, we can understand how anxiety can take hold. If your car was rear-ended, you may feel anxious when you approach the same traffic light where the accident occurred or perhaps any traffic light. The visual memory of the accident could spark anxiety to flare because it might happen again.
Managing Stress & Anxiety
The good news is that you can learn to effectively manage both stress and anxiety before it becomes chronic and really gets out of control. Left unchecked, serious physical and emotional problems can result. Can you relate to this at all?
I know I can.
One would think I had a “Hit Me” sticker on the back of my car (I don’t). Over the years, I’ve been rear-ended way too many times: by a drunk driver, a new teen driver, someone skidding on wet leaves, and someone who didn’t pay attention.
After each event, it was difficult to get back into my car and approach the intersections where each accident occurred. I found myself watching the car behind me in the rearview mirror, mentally willing it to notice me and stop in time.
But, what if it didn’t stop?
Would I be pushed out into oncoming traffic?!
Oh, my imagination instantly constructed disaster…it was terrible! I really didn’t enjoy driving after that.
Getting Help
So, I got help dealing with the anxiety. It took a few months, but I did learn great coping skills. Now, I watch for signs of anxiety before it takes root.
Many of my clients see me for help with stress and anxiety. I think they appreciate that I have dealt with those issues and that skills can be used to better control reactions.
Today, I love driving, and I’m a darn good driver. Yes, I am cautious but am also fearless. I’m ready for a good road trip. How about you?
Do you have any current or resolved anxiety events you want to share? I’d love to hear your story too.
Cheers,
Marilyn
